El-Zakzakky: Groups protest in Lagos, beg FG to end relationship with Iran

A network, Sovereign Rights Coalition (SRC), which is an amalgam of over 20 civil society groups, yesterday protested at the Embassy of Iran in Lagos, seeking an end to the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Iran.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the coordinator of the groups, Comrade Aaron Aaron, urged for a swift prosecution of the leader the Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Ibrahim El-Zak zaky over last year’s attack on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

While berating the role played by the Republic of Iran during the attack on the army chief, the coalition also expressed concerns over “unceremonious relocation of the Embassy of the Republic of Syria to Lagos.

“Our concern is based on the trail of violent acts that have trailed the Iranians who have been known sponsors of terror and particular IMN. We have refused to sit and fold our arms while these harbingers of terror sneak in seeds of discord amongst our religious tolerant Southerners where all religions wine and dine under the same roof.

“This suspicious relocation is viewed in prism of a new recruitment drive to generate recruits for intended terrorist cells believed to be domiciled in the north.

“As a group, we have severally observed with awe acts by persons supported by foreign nations including the Republic of Iran aimed at disparaging the honour of Nigeria as a nation.”

Making its submissions, the group averred that, “The Republic of Iran is not an ally of Nigeria but a detractor and its presence on Nigerian soil is an affront to Nigerian sovereignty.

“That the Nigerian security with a matter of urgency swing into investigation of reports of recruitment and funding of terrorist by the Iranians to prevent further acts of terror on Nigerian soil.

“That we frown at the delayed prosecution of Mr. Ibraheem El Zakzaki, as this delay in prosecution further emboldens the movement in the country,” the coalition said.